Strictly Financials 2009

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A nationwide training initiative to improve understanding of the financials and accounting for seasoned business journalists takes place from January 6-9, 2009, in Phoenix, Ariz. The 2nd annual weeklong "Strictly Financials Seminar" brings together a dozen working business journalists from around the country to Arizona State University. Fellowships cover the full cost of training, accommodations and meals. Applicants must have a minimum of two years of full-time business journalism experience.

"We're offering this seminar in answer to requests from many participants in our one-day workshops who want to raise their sophistication level in all the financial aspects of business coverage," said Andrew Leckey, Director of the Reynolds Center. "Spending a week digging into balance sheets and accounting should provide a real boost to every journalist's expertise."

This seminar covers the essentials of covering financials, from stock markets and bonds to financial statements and company research. There will also be case studies and group exercises. It is an opportunity for business journalists to learn from experienced instructors and journalism professionals, with follow-up after the seminar ends as well. See a tentative Agenda for the week here.

“The training I have received from the Reynolds Center has given me the confidence to tackle business topics, such as the auction rate securities problems, with the skills to dig deeper and report more thoroughly. The training encouraged me to always question the press release and look for deeper meaning behind the numbers,” said Denis Paiste, a 2008 Strictly Financials fellow and business reporter for the New Hampshire Union Leader.

The fellowships cover hotel, meals, materials and training, valued at $2,000 per person. Fellows will also receive a $500 participation payment, which can be used to help offset travel costs. Applicants for the Strictly Financials Seminar must provide:
(1) a letter explaining their experience in business journalism
(2) a resume
(3) a letter of support from the editor outlining the publication's interest in having the applicant go through the training.

Deadline: Postmarked by Nov. 3, 2008.

For additional information, contact:
Andrew Leckey, Director
andrew.leckey@businessjournalism.org
Phone: 602-496-9186

Mail applications to:
Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism
Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication
Arizona State University
555 N. Central Avenue, Suite 302
Phoenix, AZ 85004-1248

See a tentative Agenda for the week here.
Get an inside look at last year's Seminar.

ABOUT THE CENTER
The Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism, located at ASU's Cronkite School, was launched in 2003. Programs include daylong business journalism workshops, weeklong online seminars, one-hour self-guided tutorials and business journalism coverage at BusinessJournalism.org. The Center also offers internships and scholarships and runs the Barlett & Steele Awards for Investigative Business Journalism.

The Center is funded by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation, a national philanthropic organization founded in 1954 by the late media entrepreneur for whom it is named. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nev., it is one of the largest private foundations in the United States. The Cronkite School at Arizona State, named in honor of the long-time CBS news anchor, is a leading professional journalism school with nearly 1,700 undergraduate and master's students.

Copyright © 2009 Donald W. Reynolds National Center for Business Journalism